Five for the start of the winter season

Cars, cocktails, girls' names and songs

I don't know what they were drinking in Athens, Georgia in the 1970s that could have given rise to this but apparently they drive Plymouth Satellites on Planet Claire.

1967 Plymouth Satellite. So of course there has to be one in the list and what better than a genuine low milage example freshly refurbished after thirty five years in storage? It looks like a smaller Imperial Coupe and combines a full width bench seat with an auto floor shift. Oh, those crazy Americans. For: Manageable. Against: Middle Americana.

1963 Humber Sceptre. Most of the Rootes' saloons were dull affairs, well put together but ponderous. They made a real effort with the Humber Scepter, however, which got an attractive four door coupe roof line and a great interior with Italianate hooded instrument pods. An Alpine engine moves things along respectably. For: A small executive saloon for not much outlay. Against: You will not lose your hat at the lights.

1963 Rover 3 Litre Coupe: Along the same lines but a definite step up in quality was the coupe version of Rover's big saloon. The lowered roof exudes glamour in a slightly sinister way that few other Brits could manage. Even people who know nothing about cars think these are glorious. For: Cor, that's a nice motor, guvnor. Against: You might start acting like the Krays – or Margaret Thatcher. I can't think which is worse.

1973 Alfa Romeo 1600 GT Junior. What price for a clean and recently refurbished Alfa Guilia coupe? The 1600 Junior was the budget model that came with rubber mats but there was no skimping on the important bits so you get five speeds, four wheel discs and a superb alloy motor that revs more freely that the bigger 2000. For: Unimpeachable classic Alfa. Against: A bit on the pricey side in these straightened times.

1973 BMW CS. Alternatively, your head may be turned by the luxurious appointments found in this BMW Coupe. This is the softer option in the range but the automatic will still allow an expensive yowl to be wrung from the big three litre six. Just the thing for weekend return trips to the ski lodge. For: So good it is hard to believe it is not Italian. Against: Imported from Japan.